NEW ADVENTURES SERIES
How Travel Reminds You of Where You Belong
A reflection on new experiences in June
All year, I look forward to the summer. It’s the best weather, and I feel a sense of adventure and optimism. There’s just something about that shining sunlight and warmth. While the pandemic is still here, travel has suddenly become a possibility. In June, I was on the move. I finished up my California road trip, and then I visited family after many months of not seeing them.
I used to always travel (averaging 25–30 flights per year), so I’m slowly finding my feet again. My priorities have changed with the pandemic — work is a bigger part of my life, I’m in a relationship, writing is essential, and I have a podcast to always work on. I love exploring, but my mind is often tied up in other matters.
As I tried many new things in June, I started to truly appreciate the place I’m at, both physically and in life. I’ve moved nearly every year for the past 6 years, and I’ve felt “at-home” very few times in my life. But, traveling always gives me a better appreciation for where I’ve settled. Here are the new things I’ve tried in June.
#1 — Taking a 2-week social media hiatus. While on my California road trip (end of May to beginning of June), I decided to live in the moment and not worry about social media. If I was out there adventuring and having the time of my life with my partner-in-crime, why would I need to endlessly scroll through pictures about others’ lives? I was living instead. This was the best decision I’ve made in a while. And guess what? When I redownloaded the apps, I barely missed anything. Nothing changed. Someone got engaged, someone took a trip here and there, but the world kept spinning as I enjoyed my own trip. My challenge now is to stay off social media more and live my life intentionally.
#2 — Camping. I briefly mentioned this in my May new things, but I went camping for the first time ever (in a tent and everything!). Sure, it was at a campsite and not just in the woods, but it was a fun experience. My initial worry had been the non-existence of a bathroom, but I learned that campsites have flush toilets, so I was worried for nothing.
